Events

"Making An Aquarium Out Of Fish Stew" Reforming Post-Communist Budapest

Gabor Demszky served as Mayor of Budapest between 1990 and 2010, being re-elected five times. As the longest serving mayor of a major European capital in recent decades, he oversaw the post-communist transformation of municipal management and of the city as a whole. While in office, he implemented major economic reforms, transforming public services and urban infrastructure. Demszky will draw from experience bringing the management of Budapest into a liberal, capitalist world to consider how cities handle uncertainties in budgetary planning. He will reflect upon effective policies that address the segregation of the Roma population and large social inequalities. Discussant Anders Åslund will speak about the major economic challenges Demszky faced during his tenure, while Sonia Hirt will place Demszky’s experiences within the context of broader urban trends during the post-socialist transition.

Wilson Center Photo Gallery

To Attend an Event

Unless otherwise noted:

Meetings listed on this page are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required unless otherwise noted. All meetings take place at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, DC. Please see map and directions. Allow time for routine security procedures. A photo ID is required for entry.

To confirm time and place, contact Maria-Stella Gatzoulis on the day of the event: tel. (202) 691-4188. Check this page for the latest updates and notices.